Wirelessly-controlled lighting device

ABSTRACT

A light apparatus is provided including a housing, a light module, a wireless communication unit configured to communicate wirelessly with a communication device, and a controller disposed in the housing and in communication with the wireless communication unit. The controller receives a control signal associated with at least one of a luminance intensity or lighting direction of the light module from the communication device via the wireless communication unit and controls the luminance intensity or lighting direction of the lighting module according to the control signal.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/165,060 titled “Work Light,” filed May 26, 2016, whichclaims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/146,576 titled“Work Light,” filed May 29, 2015, and U.S. Provisional Application No.62/249,517 titled “Work Light,” filed Nov. 2, 2015, contents of both ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

FIELD

This application relates to a lighting apparatus, and a system forcontrolling the lighting apparatus.

BACKGROUND

Work lights capable of illuminating large construction jobsite areimportant, particularly during early phases of commercial constructionjobsite activities, when sources and distribution of electrical power islimited. In addition, storage of work lights is often a problem inconstruction sites. What is needed is a work light capable ofilluminating large areas that provides efficient storagability andflexibility to work with various sources of electrical power.

Additionally, in large work sites, management and control of work lightspositioned at different locations throughout the work site is difficult.What is needed is an effective centralized mechanism for management ofthe work lights.

SUMMARY

According to an embodiment of the invention, a lighting apparatus isprovided composing: a base portion defining an axial opening; a mainportion located above the base portion and having agenerally-cylindrical upper portion; and a light module secured to a topportion of the generally-cylindrical upper portion of the main portion.In an embodiment, the axial opening of the base portion is sized toreceive at least a light module of another lighting apparatus therein ina stacked position.

In an embodiment, the base portion includes a generally-cylindrical bodyhaving four legs formed around the axial opening.

In an embodiment, the generally-cylindrical upper body of the mainportion includes a smaller diameter than the axial opening of the baseportion.

In an embodiment, the main portion further includes a control housingportion housing a control circuit configured to control an operation ofthe lighting module. In an embodiment, the main portion further includesa keypad, a battery receptacle, and an AC plug. In an embodiment, thecontrol circuit includes an AC-to-DC converter to convert AC power fromthe AC plug to DC power to power the light module. In an embodiment, thecontrol circuit is configured to supply electric power from a batterypack plugged into the battery receptacle when no AC power is detectedfrom the AC plug. In an embodiment, the control circuit is configured tocontrol at least one of a luminance intensity or light direction of thelight module based on an input from the keypad.

In an embodiment, the main portion further includes two housing halvesmated together around at least a lower portion of the main portion andmounted on the base portion, the axial opening extending between the twohousing halves.

In an embodiment, each housing half includes radial ribs projectinginwardly from an inner surface therein around the axial opening. In anembodiment, the radial ribs include at least a first rib defining afirst diameter of the axial opening corresponding to a diameter of thelight module, and at least a second rib defining a second diameter ofthe axial opening corresponding to a diameter of the upper portion ofthe main portion. In an embodiment, the first rib is located around thelight module of another light apparatus and the second rib locatedaround the upper portion of the main portion of the other lightapparatus in the stacked position.

In an embodiment, the light module includes a transparent cover, agenerally-cylindrical heat sink mounted on the upper portion of the mainbody, and vertically-elongated printed circuit boards (PCBs) arranged onan outer circumference of the heat sink, and light-emitting devices(LEDs) mounted to each of the PCBs.

In another aspect of the invention, according to an embodiment, alighting apparatus is provided, comprising: a light module; a wirelesscommunication unit configured to communicate wirelessly with a computingdevice; and a controller configured to receive a control signalassociated with at least one of a luminance intensity or lightingdirection of the light module from the computing device via the wirelesscommunication unit and a control the luminance intensity or lightingdirection of the lighting module based on the control signal.

In an embodiment, the wireless communication unit is configure toconnect wirelessly to the computing device after a user's selection ofthe light apparatus from a list of available light apparatuses displayedto the user.

In an embodiment, the controller is further configured to receive anon/off signal associated with enabling or disabling the light apparatusfrom the computing device via the wireless communication unit and turnthe light module on or off accordingly.

In an embodiment, the controller is further configured to supply thecomputing device a status signal indicative of the power level of abattery pack coupled to the light apparatus via the wirelesscommunication unit.

In another aspect of the invention, according to an embodiment, a systemis provided, comprising: at least one lighting apparatus having a lightmodule, a wireless communication unit, and a controller configured tocontrol a lighting operation of the light module; and a separatecomputing device for communicating wirelessly with the at least onelighting apparatus. In an embodiment, the controller is configured toreceive a control signal associated with at least one of a luminanceintensity or lighting direction of the light module from the computingdevice via the wireless communication unit and control the luminanceintensity or lighting direction of the lighting module based on thecontrol signal.

In an embodiment, the computing device is configured to provide adisplay interface including a listing of the at least one lightingapparatus and receive a user selection of the at least one lightingapparatus.

In an embodiment, the computing device is configured to provide adisplay interface associated with the at least one lighting apparatus.

In an embodiment, the computing device is configured to receive a userselection of an action associated with at least one of the luminanceintensity or lighting direction of the light module from the user andcommunicate the at least one of the luminance intensity of lightingdirection to the controller via the wireless communication unit.

In an embodiment, the computing device is configured to receive aschedule associated with a lighting control of the at least one lightingapparatus and communicate the schedule to the controller via thewireless communication unit.

In an embodiment, the controller is configured to control at least oneof an on/off function, the luminance intensity or the lighting directionof the light module based on the schedule.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings which form part of the specification:

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a work light, according to anembodiment;

FIG. 2 depicts another perspective view of the work light, according toan embodiment;

FIGS. 3A and 3B depict front and rear exploded perspective views of thework light, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4 depicts bottom perspective view of the work light, according toan embodiment;

FIG. 5 depicts a bottom axial view work light, according to anembodiment;

FIGS. 6A and 6B depict side and cross-sectional views of two stackedwork lights, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 7 depicts a network diagram of a work light connected to acomputing device, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 8 depicts a block system diagram of the work light, according to anembodiment;

FIGS. 9A and 9B depict graphical user interfaces displayed on thecomputing device for controlling one or more work lights, according toan embodiment; and

FIG. 10 depicts a flow chart diagram executed by the computing device,according to an embodiment.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughoutthe several figures of the drawings.

DESCRIPTION

The following description illustrates the claimed invention by way ofexample and not by way of limitation. The description clearly enablesone skilled in the art to make and use the disclosure, describes severalembodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives, and uses of thedisclosure, including what is presently believed to be the best mode ofcarrying out the claimed invention. Additionally, it is to be understoodthat the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details ofconstruction and the arrangements of components set forth in thefollowing description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosure iscapable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried outin various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology andterminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should notbe regarded as limiting.

FIGS. 1 and 2 depict front and rear perspective views of a work light100 including a base portion 102, a main portion 104, and a light module106, according to an embodiment. FIGS. 3A and 3B depicts front and rearexploded view of the same work light 100, according to an embodiment. Adetailed description of the work light 100 is provided herein withreference to these figures.

In an embodiment, base portion 102 includes a generally cylindrical body114 defining a large opening and having four legs 110. Two hooks 112 maybe additionally provided circumferentially on the base body 114 betweenadjacent lets 110, in an embodiment. In an embodiment, a top surface 116of the base portion 102 includes a non-planar profile including curvedportions 118 on top of the legs 110 and provides a mounting surface forthe main portion 104, as described below. In an embodiment, the topsurface 116 may additionally include upwardly-projecting posts or pins119 for securing the main portion 104, as described below.

In an embodiment, main portion 104 includes a main body 120 and twohousing halves 104 a, 104 b mated together partially around the mainbody 120.

In an embodiment, main body 120 includes a generally-cylindrical upperportion 128 having a smaller diameter than the body 114 of the baseportion 102. The upper portion 128 of the main body 120 provides a mountand support structure for the light module 106. Main body 120additionally includes a control housing portion 123 for housing acontrol circuit used to control the operation of the light module 106,as described later in detail.

In an embodiment, two oppositely-arranged handles 122 having grippingsurfaces for the users to be able to lift the work light 100 arearranged circumferentially on two sides of the main body 120. Thehandles 122 are supported by the housing halves 104 a, 104 b, asdescribed below. Main body 120 includes a keypad 124 arranged on oneside between the handles 122 and a battery receptacle 126 arrangedopposite the keypad 124. In an embodiment, battery receptacle 126 may beprovided with a removable door and a locking mechanism for the door sothat the battery receptacle is covered when it is not being used.

In an embodiment, work light 100 is additionally provided with a pair ofmale and female AC plugs 130 and 132. The male AC plug 130 may becoupled to an AC power source (e.g., AC mains or a power generator) forsupplying AC power to the work light 100. Female AC plug 132 receiveselectric power from the male AC plug 130, thus allowing multiple worklights 100 to be daisy chained together in sequence. This arrangementallow multiple work lights 100 to be powered via the same AC powersource throughout the work site.

In an embodiment, the control circuit housed in the control housingportion 123 of the main body 120 is electrically connected to thebattery receptacle 126, the AC plug 130, the keypad 124, and the lightmodule 106. The control circuit supplies power optionally from the maleAC plug 130 or the battery receptacle 126 to the light module 106 basedon the control options selected by the user via the keypad 124.

In an embodiment, the control circuit may be configured to supplyelectric power from the battery receptacle 126 (i.e., 20V Max DC power)as long as voltage is not detected from the AC plug 130. Once voltage isdetected on the AC plug 130, the light module 106 is no longer poweredfrom the battery receptacle 126. The switching mechanism (not shown) forthe AC and battery power supplies may be, for example, a relay or othercurrent-carrying switch.

In an embodiment, the control circuit may additionally include anAC-to-DC converter and/or an adaptor circuit to covert AC power from theAC plug 130 to DC power (e.g., 20V DC, or to a higher voltage level,e.g., 60V DC) suitable for the light module 106. In an embodiment, thecontrol circuit may also be provided with a charging unit (not shown)that charges a battery received in the battery receptacle 126 when ACpower is supplied via the AC plug 130.

A user may control the operation of the light module 106 (i.e., lightdimming or other light setting) via keypad 124. In an embodiment, keypad124 may include multiple illumination modes for the user to select from.The illumination modes correspond to the amount of power received fromthe power supply and provide illumination within predetermined lumenranges. In an embodiment, three illumination modes (e.g., left, right,both) may be provided for each of the power supply modes. The keypad 124may additionally include up and down buttons for the user to increase ordecrease the amount of illumination (i.e., light intensity) in eachmode.

A Bluetooth receiver/transmitter may further be provided and coupled tothe control circuit, as described later, allowing an operator to controlthe operation of the light module 106 remotely via a smart phone orsimilar electronic device.

In an embodiment, the housing halves 104 a, 104 b each include a matingsurface 140 that mate together around the control housing portion 123 ofthe main body 120 via a plurality of fasteners 105. A lower surface 142of the housing halves 104 a, 104 b rests on top of the top portion 116of the base portion 102. The lower surface 142 of the housing halves 104a, 104 b may include a corresponding profile as the top portion 116 ofthe base portion 102. The lower surface 142 may further include pinreceptacles 143 that receive posts 119 of the top portion 116 to securethe housing halves 104 a, 104 b to the base portion 102. The housinghalves 104 a, 104 b, when mated together, hold the main body 120 at adistance above the base portion 102.

In an embodiment, housing halves 104 a, 104 b include oppositely-formedopenings 146 that allow access to the keypad 124 and battery receptacle126. Housing halves 104 a, 104 b also include side openings 148 thatmate together around the handles 122 and circumferentially support thehandles 122 around the main body 120. Housing halves further include twoopenings 150, 151 near the lower surface 142 where male plug 130 andfemale plug 132 are situated.

In an embodiment, light module 106 includes a generally cylindricaltransparent (e.g., plastic) cover 150 disposed around agenerally-cylindrical heat sink 152 mounted on the top portion 128 ofthe main body 120. A series of vertically-elongated printed circuitboards (PCBs) 156 are arranged on an outer circumference 154 of the heatsink 152. Each PCB 156 includes a series of light-emitting devices(LEDs) 158 mounted thereon. PCBs 156 provided a full 360 degrees ofillumination around the work light 100. In an additional embodiment, adisc-shaped PCB (not shown) with LEDs may be mounted on a top surface ofthe heat sink 152 to provide additional illumination in a verticaldirection. Heat sink 152 dissipates heat away from the LEDs 158.

In an alternative embodiment, particularly in lower-luminanceapplications where the LEDs do not generate substantial heat, lightmodule 106 may include a single disc-shaped LED PCB mounted on the topportion 128 of the main body 120 without a heat sink. The light module106 in this embodiment may include a dome-shaped deflector cover 150 todeflect and distribute light all around the work light 100.

There are many conventional design approaches for placing light devicesabove the floor or ground level. These include tripod stands or largefootprint plastic housing designs. These types of devices presentstorage and transportability issues, and an overall concern for jobsiterobustness. To address these problems for the jobsite, in an embodimentof the invention, work light 100 of this disclosure is designed suchthat a user is able to stack multiple works lights on top of one anothersafely and securely. This design substantially improves storage andtransportability of the work lights 100, allowing multiple work lights100 to be moved in, out, and around the jobsite simultaneously.

FIGS. 4 and 5 depict perspective and axial views of an underside of thework light 100, according to an embodiment. FIGS. 6A and 6B depict sideand cross-sectional views of two work lights 100 in a stacked position,respectively. Features of the work light 100 related to its stackabilityare described herein with reference to these figures, and with continuedreference to FIGS. 3A and 3B.

In an embodiment, each work light 100 includes a vertical (axial)opening 200 defined between the housing halves 104 a and 104, extendinglongitudinally from the large opening of the base portion 102 previouslydiscussed, to an underside 202 of the control housing portion 123 of themain body 120.

In an embodiment, housing halves 104 a and 104 b include spaced-apartradial ribs 204 projecting inwardly from an inner surface thereof. Whenhousing halves 104 a and 104 b are mated together, radial ribs 204define spaced-apart annular rings forming openings that together defineopening 200 in a longitudinal direction. In an embodiment, ribs 204 aresized to allow vertical opening 200 to receive the light module 106 ofanother work light 100 therein. This arrangement allows multiple worklights 100 to be stacked on top of one another.

In an embodiment, one or more of the lower ribs 204 a are sized to widena lower portion of the opening 200, such that when two work lights 100are stacked, lower ribs 204 a of the upper work light 100 are disposedaround an outer circumference of the top portion 128 of the main body120 of the lower work light 100. In this position, a top surface 127 ofthe top portion 128 of the main body 120 engages a lower surface of rib204 b disposed above the lower ribs 204 a. A top surface 127 of the topportion 128 of the main body 120 of the lower work light 100 provides aresting surface for the upper work light 100.

In this manner, according to an embodiment, opening 200 includes a firstcylindrical compartment 210 sized to receive a light module 106 of alower work light 100, and a second cylindrical compartment 212 formed inthe base portion 102 having a larger diameter to receive at least aportion of the main body 120 of a lower work light 100.

Another aspect of the invention is described herein with reference toFIGS. 7-10.

US Patent Publication No. 2014/0107853 filed Mar. 15, 2014, which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety, describes a systemincluding a computing device, such as a personal computer, tablet, etc.,in communication with power tools, battery packs, chargers, etc. via awireless communication system such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, RF, etc. Thissystem is employed, according to an embodiment of the invention, toenable wireless connectivity and control of the above-described worklight 100 via a computing device, as described herein.

In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, a computing device 250, such as apersonal computer, tablet, mobile telephone, smartphone, etc. isprovided. Computing device 250 is preferably connectable to a server 270via the Internet. Persons skilled in the art will recognize thatcomputing device 250 preferably connects to the Internet via a wirelesscommunication circuit/protocol, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, 3G/4Gdata systems, etc.

In an embodiment, computing device 250 may be coupled to a variety ofrotator or non-rotary power tools, battery packs, battery chargers, etc.via a wireless connection, as described in U.S. Patent Publication No.2014/0107853, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2014/0367134, and PCTPublication No. WO 2013/116303, each of which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety. Additionally, computing device 250 may becoupled to work light 100 via a wireless communication unit 300,described in FIG. 8 below. Computing device 250 may include anapplication or program, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, that implements thesteps shown in the flow chart of FIG. 10 below for controlling variousoperation of the work light 100.

FIG. 8 depicts a block system diagram of the electronic circuitry withinwork light 100. As shown in this figure, work light 100 includes awireless communication circuit, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee,infrared, RF, etc., coupled to a controller 302. Controller 302 may be aprogrammable chip, such as a micro-controller or micro-processor, or anintegrated circuit (i.e., ASIC) chip configured to execute the processesdescribed in this disclosure. Also coupled to controller 302 is memory304, which stores certain data (e.g., identifier for the work light 100,and executable code for controller 302) accessible by the controller302.

As described above, work light 100 may be powered by either an AC powersource 306 via AC plug 130, or a DC power source 308 via batteryreceptacle 126. In an embodiment, an AC-to-DC converter 310 (e.g., anadaptor circuit including a bridge rectifier and a capacitor) may beprovided to obtain DC voltage from the AC power source 306. In anembodiment, two electronic switches (e.g., FETs) 312, 314 are providedon the DC and AC power lines. These switches are used by the controller302 to supply power from one of the AC power supply 306 or DC powersupply 308. Controller 302 makes this decision based on detection ofvoltage on the AC power line. In addition, in an embodiment, controller302 may control a switching operation of the switches 312, 314 tocontrol the amount of lamination via, e.g., a pulse-width modulation(PWM) control or other known method.

In an embodiment, work light 100 provides a user the ability to select amode of operation for turning on only the left half of the light module106, the right half of the light module, or the full 360 degree area ofthe light module 106. This control may be implemented, in an embodimentvia switches 316 and 318, which are controllable by the controller 302,and are coupled to the right LEDs 322 and left LEDs 324. Controller 302selectively turns one or both switches 316 and 318 ON to turn the lefthalf, the right half, or the full light module 106.

The user may control the described above features (i.e., light dimming,and mode of operation) using keys on keypad 124, as described above.Alternatively, in an embodiment, the user may use a computing device 250to control these features, as described herein.

FIGS. 9A and 9B depict exemplary interfaces 400, 420, provided via anapp or a program on computing device 250 accessible by the user. Whenthe user starts the app, the user is provided with a list of all worklights that the device 250 is connected on interface 400. The user mayturn all the lights ON or OFF, and/or enable or disable all the lights,via this interface 400. The user may also select one light (e.g., Light1), in which case the user is provided with a second interface 420. Inthis screen the user may view work light attributes such as batterylight, usage, identity, etc. The user may also select a mode ofoperation (i.e., right, left, or both), and increase or decrease lightintensity. The user may further be provided with the ability to programa schedule for the work light. The schedule may include, for example,when the light turns on and off (e.g., every day at 6 pm to 10 pm), thelight intensity level, mode, etc.

FIG. 10 depicts an exemplary simplified flow diagram used by computingdevice 250 app or program to control the operation of a work light 100.In this flow diagram, computing device 250 connects wirelessly towireless communication units 300 of various work lights 100 (at 502).The app provides the user with a display interface 400 of all availablework lights 100 (at 504). It is noted that the app may also provide theuser with a list of all other connected devices such as chargers,battery packs, power tools, etc. It is also noted that the app mayprovide this display in the form of categories of connected products.

At 506, the app receives a selection of a particular work light 100 fromthe user. Then at 508, the app displays interface 420 particular to thatwork light 100 to the user. The app then receives an action (e.g.,change light intensity, enable, disable, mode, etc.) from the user (at510). The app then proceeds to communicate that action to the work light100 controller 302 via wireless communication unit 300.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided forpurposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or featuresof a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particularembodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be usedin a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described.The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to beregarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modificationsare intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

1. A light apparatus comprising: a housing; a light module; a wirelesscommunication unit configured to communicate wirelessly with acommunication device; and a controller disposed in the housing and incommunication with the wireless communication unit, the controller beingconfigured to receive a control signal associated with at least one of aluminance intensity or lighting direction of the light module from thecommunication device via the wireless communication unit, and controlthe luminance intensity or lighting direction of the lighting moduleaccording to the control signal.
 2. The light apparatus of claim 1,wherein the communication device is a computing device having a userinterface, is configured to display a list of available lightingapparatuses to a user, and is further configured to wirelesslycommunicate with the wireless communication unit after receipt of a userselection of the light apparatus from the list of available lightapparatuses displayed to the user.
 3. The light apparatus of claim 1,wherein the controller is further configured to receive an on/off signalassociated with enabling or disabling the light apparatus from thecommunication device via the wireless communication unit, and turn thelight module on or off accordingly.
 4. The light apparatus of claim 1,wherein the controller is further configured to transmit a status signalindicative of a state of charge of a battery pack coupled to the lightapparatus to the communication device via the wireless communicationunit.
 5. The light apparatus of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises amain portion on which the light module is mounted, the main portionhousing the controller.
 6. The light apparatus of claim 5, wherein themain portion supports a keypad arranged to provide an input of a userselection of at least one of a luminance intensity or light directionassociated with the light module, and wherein the controller isconfigured to control the luminance intensity or lighting direction ofthe lighting module according to the input from the keypad.
 7. The lightapparatus of claim 5, wherein the main portion further supports abattery receptacle arranged to removeably receive a power tool batterypack therein.
 8. The light apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lightmodule comprises a transparent cover, a generally-cylindrical heat sinkmounted on the upper portion of the main body, and a plurality ofvertically-elongated printed circuit boards (PCBs) arranged on an outercircumference of the heat sink, and a plurality of light-emittingdevices (LEDs) mounted to each of the PCBs.
 9. A system comprising: atleast one lighting apparatus having a housing, light module, a wirelesscommunication unit, and a controller disposed in the housing andconfigured to control a lighting operation of the light module; and aseparate communication device for communicating wirelessly with the atleast one lighting apparatus, wherein the controller is configured toreceive a control signal associated with at least one of a luminanceintensity or lighting direction of the light module from the computingdevice via the wireless communication unit, and control the luminanceintensity or lighting direction of the lighting module according to thecontrol signal.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the communicationdevice is a computing device having a user interface, is configured todisplay a list of available lighting apparatuses to a user, and isfurther configured to wirelessly communicate with the wirelesscommunication unit after receipt of a user selection associated with theat least one light apparatus from the list of available lightapparatuses displayed to the user.
 11. The system of claim 10, whereinthe communication device is configured to receive a user selection of anaction associated with at least one of the luminance intensity orlighting direction of the light module from the user and communicate theat least one of the luminance intensity or lighting direction to thewireless communication unit.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein thecomputing device is configured to receive schedule data associated witha lighting control of the at least one lighting apparatus andcommunicate the schedule data to the controller via the wirelesscommunication unit.
 13. The system of claim 11, wherein the controlleris configured to control at least one of an on/off function, theluminance intensity or the lighting direction of the light module basedon the schedule data.
 14. The system of claim 1, wherein the housing ofthe at least one lighting apparatus comprises a main portion on whichthe light module is mounted, the main portion housing the controller.15. The system of claim 14, wherein the main portion supports a keypadarranged to provide an input of a user selection of at least one of aluminance intensity or light direction associated with the light module,and wherein the controller is configured to control the luminanceintensity or lighting direction of the lighting module according to theinput from the keypad.
 16. The system of claim 14, wherein the mainportion further supports a battery receptacle arranged to removeablyreceive a power tool battery pack therein.
 17. A method of controlling aplurality of lighting apparatuses each having a controller and awireless communication unit, via a computing device separate from thelighting apparatus having a user interface, the method comprising:establishing wireless communication between the communication device andthe plurality of lighting apparatuses; displaying a list of availablelighting apparatuses associated with the plurality of lightingapparatuses to a user on the user interface of the computing device;receiving a user lighting apparatus selection via the user interface;displaying data related to a selected lighting apparatus associated withthe user lighting apparatus selection on the user interface; receiving auser selection of an action associated with at least one of theluminance intensity or lighting direction of the lighting apparatus viathe user interface; and wirelessly communicate the at least one of theluminance intensity or lighting direction to the wireless communicationunit of the selected lighting apparatus.
 18. The method of claim 17,further comprising: receiving data related to the selected lightingapparatus from the wireless communication unit of the selected lightingapparatus; and displaying the data related to the selected lightingapparatus on the user interface.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein theselected lighting apparatus includes a battery receptacle arranged toreceive a removeable battery pack, further comprising: receiving datarelated to a state of charge of the battery pack coupled to the selectedlighting apparatus from the wireless communication unit of the selectedlighting apparatus; and displaying the data related to the state ofcharge of the battery pack coupled to the selected lighting apparatus onthe user interface.